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Home » Recipes » Meat Pasta Recipes

Published: May 22, 2024 · Modified: May 22, 2024 by Jacqui

Sausage and Radicchio Pasta Recipe


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Sausage and radicchio (Italian chicory) is a popular combination for both pasta and risotto recipes, particularly here in Northern Italy, where most of the country’s radicchio is grown.

This sausage and radicchio pasta recipe has only 3 main ingredients and is super simple to make. It’s also very tasty and full of authentic Italian flavor!

Sausage and radicchio pasta in a bowl.

History

This sausage and radicchio farfalle is one of many pasta recipes that include these two main ingredients. Italians also like to make baked pasta, as well as lasagna, with radicchio and sausage. The lasagna version is a dish I want to make soon.

I have a recipe for radicchio lasagna (pasticcio) here on the blog, but without sausage. Although, probably all I would need to do is add sausage meat to the skillet when cooking the radicchio!

Like most sausage and radicchio pasta recipes, this one with farfalle (bow-tie pasta) is pretty simple. Apart from the pasta, sausage and chicory, all you need is some heavy cream and an onion. And, a little parsley to serve. This dish also doesn’t take very long to make. In fact, it doesn’t take much more time than you need to boil the water and cook the pasta!

Sausage and radicchio pasta in a bowl garnished with chopped parsley.

As you can imagine there are lots of different kinds of sausages in Italy. In fact, every region has its specialties and local types of sausage. Most Italian recipes for sausage and radicchio pasta call for ‘salsiccia’. This usually refers to a simple fresh pork sausage made from a mixture of lean and fatty pork cuts, ground and mixed together with a little salt and wine, usually red.

There are many types of salsiccia which also have spices or herbs such as fennel seed, nutmeg, black pepper, chili pepper (peperoncino) etc. But, for this recipe plain Italian salsiccia is best.

Ingredients

Sausage and radicchio pasta ingredients on a kitchen table.

Farfalle Pasta: Also known as bow-tie pasta, farfalle is ideal for this recipe due to its shape, which nicely captures pieces of sausage and radicchio. If farfalle is unavailable, any short pasta like penne or rigatoni will work well.

Radicchio: You can use any of these types of Italian chicory for this sausage and radicchio pasta. I used the one which looks like Belgian endive. Some people find radicchio a little bitter but the taste mellows when you cook it.

Italian Sausage: Choose fresh Italian sausage (salsiccia), which is typically made from a mixture of lean and fatty pork cuts, salt and wine. Sometimes salsiccia sausage includes herbs and spices, but plain Italian salsiccia is best for this recipe.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and makes the sauce creamy, binding all the ingredients together and softening the radicchio's bitterness.

White Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce. Finely chopped shallots can be used as an alternative.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing.

Fresh Parsley: Provides a burst of color and a fresh, herbal finish to the dish.

Expert Tips

Prepping the Radicchio Leaves: Start by thoroughly washing the radicchio leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Carefully pat them dry with a clean towel to ensure that any residual water doesn't cause the radicchio to steam rather than sauté when cooked. Once dried, chop the leaves into small, even strips.

Decasing the Sausage: To prepare the Italian sausage for your pasta, begin by making a lengthwise cut along each sausage with a sharp knife. Carefully peel back the casing and gently push the sausage mince out into a bowl.

Sausage and radicchio pasta ingredients prepared on a kitchen table.

Adjusting the Sauce Consistency with Pasta Water: After combining the pasta with the sauce, assess the consistency. If the sauce seems too thick or the pasta isn't well-coated, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta cooking water. If the sauce seems too thin, then allow it to simmer while slowly mixing the pasta. The combination of heat and the starch released from the pasta will thicken the sauce.

Step by Step Instructions

1) In a skillet or deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it starts to soften. Add the sausage meat to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is slightly browned.

Onion and sausage mince in a pan.

2) Add the chopped radicchio to the sausage and onion and mix. Also, add salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking on a low heat until all the radicchio has wilted.

Chopped radicchio added to the pan of sausage and onion.

3) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt once it boils and bring it to a boil again. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

4) Meanwhile, mix in the heavy cream to the sausage and radicchio, then simmer for about 5 minutes.

Note: If the sauce appears dry, stir in some reserved pasta cooking water to adjust consistency.

Adding heavy cream into the sauteed radicchio, sausage and onion.

5) Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss to combine everything thoroughly and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust the sauce's consistency with pasta water if needed.

Cooked pasta added to the radicchio and sausage sauce.

6) Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Radicchio and sausage pasta in a pan.

Storage and Leftovers

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring the container is sealed well to maintain freshness.

To reheat the pasta, place it in a microwave-safe container and cover it. Heat for two minutes on a medium setting, then stir the pasta. Continue to heat in 30-60 second intervals, stirring between each, until the pasta is hot throughout.

Sausage and radicchio pasta in a bowl on a table.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the sausage and radicchio and prepare the sauce, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and combine it with the reheated sauce for the best results.

What is Radicchio?

Radicchio is a leafy chicory also called Italian chicory. Although the Romans liked and ate radicchio, modern cultivation started here in Italy in the 15th century! A lot of Italy’s radicchio is grown in Veneto (where I live), as well as Trentino and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

There are different types of Italian radicchio. The most common are ‘radicchio di Chioggia’ which is round and looks like a purple cabbage and ‘radicchio di Treviso’ which looks like Belgian endive. I particularly like the ‘Tardivo’ radicchio, which resembles flowers.

Where is the best place to source Radicchio?

Radicchio is commonly available at well-stocked supermarkets, especially in the produce section alongside other salad greens and specialty vegetables. You can sometimes also find it at local farmers' markets, depending on your location.

Other pasta recipes you may like:

If you love pasta and sausage have a look at my favorite Italian sausage pasta recipes.

  • Radicchio lasagne al forno (pasticcio)
  • Gnocchi with gorgonzola and radicchio
  • Busiate with radicchio pesto
  • Fettuccine with radicchio and speck

Your feedback means a lot to me!

If you do make this sausage and radicchio pasta recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Please write a comment here on the blog or post a comment on the Pasta Project Facebook page.

Buon Appetito!

sausage and radicchio pasta recipe with farfalle

Sausage and Radicchio Pasta Recipe from Northern Italy.

Jacqui
This 3 ingredient Northern Italian recipe for sausage and radicchio pasta is simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve to guests!
5 from 43 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean, Northern Italy, Veneto
Servings 4
Calories 804 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 14 oz farfalle pasta or other short pasta
  • 1-2 heads radicchio leaves separated and washed
  • 7 oz Italian sausage 2-3 sausages
  • 1 white onion (or 2 shallots) peeled and finely chopped
  • 7 fl oz heavy cream Italian panna di cucina
  • 2-3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
  • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped (optional)
  • salt for pasta and to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper. to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet or deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it starts to soften. Add the sausage meat to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sausage is slightly browned.
  • Add the chopped radicchio to the sausage and onion and mix. Also, add salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking on a low heat until all the radicchio has wilted.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt once it boils and bring it to a boil again. Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  • Meanwhile, mix in the heavy cream to the sausage and radicchio, then simmer for about 5 minutes. If the sauce appears dry, stir in some reserved pasta cooking water to adjust consistency.
  • Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet. Toss to combine everything thoroughly and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. Adjust the sauce's consistency with pasta water if needed.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
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Notes

Decasing the Sausage: To prepare the Italian sausage for your pasta, begin by making a lengthwise cut along each sausage with a sharp knife. Carefully peel back the casing and gently push the sausage mince out into a bowl.
Pasta: Other short pasta types that work well in this recipe include penne and rigatoni.

Nutrition

Calories: 804kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 23gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 402mgPotassium: 654mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 843IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 3mg
Keyword radicchio pasta, salsiccia, sausage and radicchio pasta, sausage pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pin for Later:

Sausage and radicchio pasta.

If you are interested in learning how to make homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of one of my pasta recipe cookbooks or checkout some recommended pasta making tools?


More Meat Pasta Recipes

  • Pasta with zucchini flowers, saffron and ham.
    Pasta with zucchini flowers, saffron and ham.
  • Pasta alla Genovese recipe (beef and onion ragù)
  • Rigatoni pasta with shallots and guanciale.
    Easy Rigatoni Pasta Recipe with Shallots and Guanciale
  • Homemade garganelli pasta with sausage ragu.
    Homemade garganelli pasta with sausage ragu recipe.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 43 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Gail Montero says

    June 01, 2020 at 4:28 am

    I love that you don't need a ton of ingredients to make such a tasty pasta dish like this one! Yes, please!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 08, 2020 at 6:36 am

      Thank you, Gail. It is really easy to make many of the best pasta dishes with only a few ingredients!

      Reply
  2. Sharon says

    June 01, 2020 at 2:38 am

    This dish is easy comfort food that is full of flavor. I love the addition of the radicchio to it.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 08, 2020 at 6:36 am

      Thank you, Sharon.

      Reply
  3. Ramona says

    May 31, 2020 at 12:14 am

    Made this pasta dish and I can say it was spectacular, kids also loved every mouthful of it- all these flavours! Simple and beautiful recipe. I am saving it as I will be making it again fairly soon.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:31 am

      Thank you, Ramona, that is so good to hear!

      Reply
  4. GUNJAN C Dudani says

    May 30, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    Such an interesting recipe. never tried anything like this. I am intrigued into making this tonight.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:33 am

      It is simple and delicious, I hope you get to try it!

      Reply
  5. Anna says

    May 30, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Another fantastic pasta recipe! I made it last night for dinner, as my husband loves pasta and sausage combination. It disappeared quicker than I ever anticipated and the plates were licked clean! Thank you!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:38 am

      Fantastic Anna, and it is simple to make, so you can make it any time!

      Reply
  6. Stine Mari says

    May 29, 2020 at 8:22 pm

    That radicchio has such a beautiful color! This pasta dish is spectacular, and I love how festive farfalle always looks!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:39 am

      Thank you! I love the colours in the dish too, so subtle.

      Reply
  7. Simone says

    May 28, 2020 at 10:50 am

    I adore radicchio, but haven't had it in a while. I've got to make this, it looks divine!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:42 am

      This is a lovely recipe to indulge in your love of radicchio!

      Reply
  8. LaRena Fry says

    May 27, 2020 at 10:56 pm

    Radicchio goes so well with pasta. I love that this is so quick, easy. and sounds so very appetizing and appealing.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:43 am

      Thank you, Larena. It is delicious, and definitely a bonus that it is quick and easy to make!

      Reply
  9. AJ says

    May 27, 2020 at 9:08 pm

    Glad to learn about including radicchio in pasta, makes pasta look more colorful. Best thingis that it is healthy and bitterness goes away after cooking.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:44 am

      Absolutely AJ! I hope you get to try it!

      Reply
  10. Lesli Schwartz says

    May 27, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    This pasta dish looks amazing! Love Italian sausage and adding in the radicchio is brilliant! Can't wait to try this dish.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:44 am

      Thank you, Lesli!

      Reply
  11. Chef Dennis says

    May 27, 2020 at 10:05 am

    This Sausage and Radicchio Pasta is making me hungry! Just the sight of this dish and I can feel my tummy grumbling!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:48 am

      That's a good thing...isn't it?! Hopefully you can try it sometime soon!

      Reply
  12. veenaazmanov says

    May 27, 2020 at 8:53 am

    Creamy and delicious and easy to make too. Best Dinner for my family. They love it.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:48 am

      That is lovely to hear! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback!

      Reply
  13. Ai says

    May 27, 2020 at 7:50 am

    This looks so delicious! How many radicchio leaves do I need to use to make this? I don't see it on the recipe...

    Reply
    • Jacqui says

      May 27, 2020 at 8:14 am

      Seems I forgot to add the quantity of radicchio to the recipe. Thanks for pointing that out Ai. You need to use 1-2 heads of radicchio depending on how big they are.

      Reply
  14. Marta says

    May 27, 2020 at 5:14 am

    My favorite flavors are combined in this dish! I love the spiciness of the radicchio and the creamy sauce. The sausage is an added bonus!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:58 am

      Absolutely, Marta! The flavours in this dish work together so well!

      Reply
  15. Saif says

    May 27, 2020 at 5:08 am

    I am not familiar with this recipe but this pasta looks absolutely delicious. I love every bit of ingredients you added in this dish.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 6:58 am

      If you try it, please let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  16. Myrah Duque says

    May 27, 2020 at 4:11 am

    Easy and delicious! I haven't cooked with radicchio yet. I always use sausage with pasta.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 7:05 am

      I think you will love it, Myrah. I do hope you get to try it!

      Reply
  17. Angela says

    May 27, 2020 at 3:09 am

    This is a comforting and hearty sausage with pasta dish.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 7:06 am

      Thank you, Angela! It is filling and delicious!

      Reply
  18. Beth says

    May 27, 2020 at 12:15 am

    I look at radicchio at the market and always wonder what I"d do with it - now I have at least one idea. And I always envy your pasta choices!

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 7:11 am

      Now you know 🙂 You must pick some up when you can, I am sure you will love this dish!

      Reply
  19. Rochelle says

    May 26, 2020 at 9:27 pm

    I love cooking with radicchio...this dish looks really delicious :). Bowtie pasta is always a hit in my house

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 7:12 am

      Bowties are always good! It sounds like this is the perfect dish for you!

      Reply
  20. Ben says

    May 26, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    I can't wait to make this. Sausage and pasta are two of my favorite things, so this is perfect for me.

    Reply
    • The Pasta Project says

      June 01, 2020 at 7:12 am

      It certainly does, Ben! I hope you try it and love it!

      Reply
Newer Comments »

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Buon giorno and welcome to my pasta project! My name is Jacqui. I’m originally a Londoner but in 2003 life’s journey brought me to the beautiful Veneto region of Italy where…

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